Open Arms of a Gatefold Will Grab More Attention

Open arms of a gatefold will grab more attention, pulling a target audience into what you have to say. When we say "grab," we mean the pages will literally unfold out of the magazine wide enough to reach out and grab the attention of many readers. Okay, maybe not literally, but the gatefold does open up wide enough to display large, panoramic images.

A gatefold is a printed sheet that is made with four panels and is commonly placed within publications as a means of increasing overall printing space.

The left and right panels of the printed sheet fold inward with parallel folds, meeting at the center of the publication without overlapping. Six panels (three on the front and three on the back) are created with a standard gatefold as shown below:

Eight panels (four on the front and four on the back) result from using a "closed gatefold" format, which adds one more fold at the center of the document:

Of course, if you flip through a magazine you will be greeted by a gatefold or two, however it does not mean that this format can only be used for these types of publications. This form of publishing is a great option for your next newsletter, party invitation, newspaper insert, menu or brochure. The size of the gatefold makes it easy to hand out to potential customers at expos and events offering a lot of information in a single brochure. Plus, because of the condensed size, using this format will help save money when mailing brochures to customers and potential customers.

Your company will benefit from using gatefolds for promotional materials mostly because you will be able to include a lot of information in a small, single brochure. It is also a unique and creative advertising tactic that will grab your audience's attention encouraging them to open the folds and read more. That is if the gatefold does not jump out and grab them first.

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How can printing and finishing techniques be used to enhance graphic design?How can printing and finishing techniques be used to enhance graphic design?Basics Design: Print and Finishexplores that question in depth, with complete information that will be valuable to both graphic-design students and practicing designers.

Concepts such as color building, reversing out, tints, shades, gradients, halftones, and computer-to-plate printing are all explained fully, with visual examples for each. Thermography, debossing, embossing, die cutting, varnishing, and other techniques are also covered in detail, with illustrations. Examples from top design studios illuminate the text and inspire readers to use these print and finish techniques in their own work.